GAF recalls Timberline solar shingles due to fire hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Division posted notice of a recall involving TLS-1 jumper modules and TLS-1 energy shingles from the Timberline residential solar product line, manufactured by GAF Energy LLC, of San Jose, Calif. The electrical components in the solar energy shingles can malfunction, posing a fire hazard. The recall affects about 2,100 units.

The firm has received one report of fire and five reports of thermal incidents resulting in property damage, including damage to the roof deck. No injuries have been reported.

GAF Energy will replace all jumper modules and check the electrical components of each solar shingle for defects, and repair free of charge. GAF Energy has been remotely shutting off impacted systems until the remediation is complete and consumers will be compensated for monetary losses due to the loss of solar energy generation during that time.

GAF Energy is contacting known owners of the energy shingles directly by phone to schedule the repair and replacement of the recalled jumper modules and affected electrical components.

If consumers have not been contacted by GAF Energy, they should contact their installers to determine if their solar energy shingles’ components are recalled.

The Timberline solar shingle has made a lot of headlines for being nailable, like an asphalt shingle, to promote it as a product for roofers looking to get into solar energy. The shingles measure about 64 inches by 17 inches by 1 inch and weigh about 10 pounds.

GAF direct sales to and through installing contractors in select states from November 2021 through April 2023. The recalled shingles were sold as part of solar systems that range in price from $40,000 to $100,000.

— Solar Builder magazine

[source: https://solarbuildermag.com/news/gaf-recalls-timberline-solar-shingles-due-to-fire-hazard/]